Northwestern 23, Purdue 13 | How they scored

Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson runs with the ball as he looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)(Photo: Nam Y. Huh, AP)

EVANSTON, Ill. - Quarterback Clayton Thorson threw for 296 yards and one touchdown to lead the Wildcats past the Boilermakers on Saturday night at Ryan Field.

Second Quarter

Northwestern 7, Purdue 0 – Clayton Thorson 4 run (Charlie Kuhbander kick). 7 plays, 54 yards. Elapsed time: 3:01. Time on clock: 9:45. The Wildcats had a punt return for a touchdown nullified by an unsportsmanlike penalty but still managed to score. Thorson hit Bennett Skowronek on the drive’s first play for 19 yards.

Northwestern 14, Purdue 0 – Skowronek 11 pass from Thorson (Kuhbander kick). 7 plays, 96 yards. Elapsed time: 1:33. Time on clock: 16 seconds. Key plays: The Wildcats stopped the Boilermakers on fourth-and-1 from the 4-yard line and took over with 1:49 left in the first half. Thorson was 5 of 6 for 89 yards.

Third Quarter

Northwestern 17, Purdue 0 – Kuhbander 19 field goal. 15 plays, 75 yards. Elapsed time: 5:50. Time on clock: 9:10. Key plays: The Wildcats picked up where they left off at the end of the first half, carving up Purdue’s defense and collecting five first downs. Give the defense credit for holding Northwestern to a field goal in the red zone.

Northwestern 20, Purdue 0 – Kuhbander 24 field goal. 10 plays, 50 yards. Elapsed time: 2:53. Time on clock: 5:30. Key plays: Another time-consuming drive by the Wildcats, who failed to score a touchdown on their second straight possession in the red zone.